Pictures: 10 families share their best P&O Australia memories

• P&O has finished a cruise brand in Australia, but its memories will long live on.
• A range of cruisers have shared some of their best memories onboard.
• From older ships right up until the last sailings, enjoy photos and anecdotes from just a few of those who have the had pleasure of enjoying a P&O cruise.

With what was once Pacific Adventure and Pacific Adventure already getting set up for their new lives as Carnival ships and the P&O website redirecting to Carnival, the initial shock of P&O’s dissolving has turned to acceptance of the end of an era.

Pacific Explorer has wasted no time in emerging as a brand new ship, already leaving dry-dock with a whole new look, set to commence her new life as Star Voyager.

In less than two-weeks, Carnival President Christine Duffy will be down in Australia, welcoming and inaugurating the two new Carnival ships, ushering in a new era for Australian cruise.

As fast as this is all happening, it hasn’t stopped cruisers from taking a moment to reminisce on their favourite moments sailing on P&O Australia ships, the true Aussie cruise ship experience.

In an online P&O fan-club page, a range of cruisers shared some of their best memories of P&O Australia over the years. The photos show the ever shifting image of the brand and its ships, but the authentic Aussie flavour it kept right up until the end.

Below you can find just a few snippets of some moments that Aussies experienced and shared with each other through many eras of P&O in Australia. Take a journey through the years, from days on the Pacific Pearl, right up to the final cruise on Encounter.

The memories

John Harlow wrote: “This is a sad day for me and nostalgia is tending to get the better of me. However, I am certain that the fun will continue and even improve under the Carnival Cruise Line Australia umbrella.

Nina Simmons shared: “Had many wonderful memories on Pacific Jewel, Dawn & Explorer. Loved everything onboard, crew, tours and sightseeing. Also did a tour and had lunch on Pacific Pearl while in Port Suva. Good times, best times with P&O.

Heidi Lyons had the romantic privelge of renewing her vowels while onboard Pacific Explorer.

Lyn Flatt shares her first ever cruise, from 2006.

“The first day of our first ever cruise with P&O, October 2006, boarding the Pacific Star. We sailed with P&O on 22 more occasions since then.”

Gloria McCaughan was lucky enough to sail on The Fairstar.

“My first cruise was on The Fairstar then a couple on the Dawn and lastly a couple on the Encounter. We are also booked again on the Encounter in May when she will be part of Carnival.”

Kimberley Carter is newer to the cruising game, getting hooked after her first outing on Encounter.

“First cruise we had been on was P&O Pacific Encounter just after cruising had returned after Covid. It was an awesome experience and have been on three since and loved all of them! Can’t wait to book another!”

Kate Skinner only made it out onto P&O once, but the memories stuck with her.

“First (and only) cruise on P&O Pacific Sun December 2010. First photo Mystery Island and second photo zorbing in Port Villa.”

Donna Borg got to be on the Adventure for its final outing as a P&O ship, sharing a special moment with the crew.

“Disembarked the Adventure on her last cruise as P&O.

“Some of the crew had their photo taken early in the morning, so special to witness that.”

Melanie Wilmington took her first family cruise nearly 10 years ago, on Pacific Dawn.

Julie Smith recalls going under the Harbour Bridge on Pacific Pearl.